Chicopee Police enforcing underage drinking laws at local businesses

The Chicopee Police Department is cracking down on underage drinking at local businesses.

Chicopee Police said businesses and young people under the age of 21, face serious consequences if they break the law.

Chicopee Police Officer Mike Wilk told 22News the department routinely conducts more “spot compliance checks” at local businesses this time of year when the weather starts warming up.

Wilk said these compliance checks ensure bars are not serving alcohol to people under 21 and they are not exceeding their capacity. He said young people who are found with alcohol or fake Id’s, could be arrested.

“It’s officer’s discretion they can be arrested, criminally charged, or they can be turned over to their parents to go home,” Wilk said. “Bottom line, don’t do it, it’s not worth getting that blemish on your record.”

Wilk told 22News businesses can be fined and criminally charged if they are found selling alcohol to people under the age of 21.

Chicopee Police officers have already visited some bars for compliance checks, but Wilk said no one has been arrested and no fines have been issued so far.

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